Winterizing Your Home

The weather is quickly cooling, the leaves are falling, and you know what that means--the time to be sure your home is winter-ready. Here are a few tips and tricks to do so. As we head into winter, it's important to be sure your HVAC system is properly working. Similar to warming up your car in cold weather before shifting into full gear, you want to check your heating system for any maintenance needs or performance issues. For heating and cooling your home, variable-speed heat pumps are an increasingly popular option. They consider factors like outside temperature and humidity and run at one of 700 possible speeds to cool or heat the home to within half a degree of the chosen temperature. More homeowners are installing them because they provide a more eco-friendly and cost-effective option. The Trane XV20i Variable Speed Heat Pump works efficiently, with low sound level, all while saving you money, plus incentives and tax credits for energy-efficient upgrades offered through the Inflation Reduction Act. Variable Speed units continuously communicate with each other and your Trane thermostat to provide optimal efficiency. To make the most of tax credits and rebates offered through the Inflation Reduction Act, the recommendation is for homeowners to contact their local HVAC professional, like a Trane Comfort Specialist. One thing you can easily do yourself (that costs little) is change your air filters regularly for optimal performance. The recommendation is to do it every 30-90 days or more often if you have family members prone to asthma or allergies or pets in the home. No tools are required. And it will keep your HVAC running efficiently and improve indoor air quality. Not changing them will allow dust and dirt to collect, which can cause a blockage and make your system work harder. This creates higher utility bills, puts more strain on the equipment, and shortens its lifespan. Of course, it never hurts to call in a pro if your heating system isn't working. A Trane Comfort Specialist can help troubleshoot and properly inspect your equipment and ductwork. And if you need a new system or are a first-time buyer, it's always helpful to chat with an expert on things like sizing, efficiency, noise, and more so you can make a smart decision about what's best. As for some cost-saving tips and measures homeowners can do on their own, first, check the insulation and seals of your home. If your attic or crawl space is not properly insulated, your heating system has to work harder to keep your home at a consistently comfortable temperature. The harder it has to work, the more it costs you. If you live up north where it gets really cold, consider adding extra insulation to your garage door; that can make a huge difference. Next, protect and wrap your pipes, as exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Use heat tape or controlled heat cables to wrap pipes outdoors. For interior pipes, seal leaks that could allow cold air to enter. Cover your windows with plastic from the inside to provide an extra layer of insulation to keep cold air out. You can buy a window insulation kit to DIY. Lastly, set your thermostat correctly for winter. To get maximum efficiency out of your heating system, use the built-in energy-saving functionality that most thermostats today have. Even better, use a smart thermostat. The ideal temperature to set in the fall is between 68 and 78 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping the air inside your home closer to the temperature outside will prevent your HVAC system from overworking. For more info, go to trane.com/residential and look for the 'find a local pro' option.